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Cash flow unnerves teachers
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Posted on Dec 24 1998
When new contracts are issued this coming June 18 for teachers, questions about summer time compensation need concrete answers from school officials at the PSS central office.
Who is paid the full 12 months period depends on whether one has worked the required 190 day schedule this school year. Some meet this requirement while others do not. It has created a morale problem and teachers are saying officials must stick to the terms and conditions of their employment contracts.
Brian Littinga, teacher of the year candidate from Oleai Elementary School, asked about his summer pay if existing contracts expire on June 18.
He said majority of his colleagues signed similar contracts that will expire in August and not in June.
“Many teachers will not be able to receive their summer pay which is more than the 10 percent pay cut,” he added.
Littinga voiced his concerns during a recent forum held between members of the Board of Education and PSS personnel. Some 30 teachers showed up to express their views.
Similar to other teaching contracts, teachers hired by PSS are guaranteed 12 months of pay even if they don’t normally report to work during summer. For PSS teachers, summer starts after June 18.
Acting fiscal and budget officer William Matson said teachers who have worked 190 days this school year 1998-1999 will be paid 12 months worth of salary which automatically covers their summer compensation.
It is not clear yet how PSS would treat those teachers who do not meet the 190-day work schedule. This is the group who came later this year. A pro-rate computation for their summer pay is being considered.
“You will still be paid,” according to PSS legal counsel Tim Connor, adding that issuance of new contracts after June 18 should not be confused with compensation matters.
Under the new contract, a preamble cites certain unique situations which may happen during economic crisis. It has provisions to offer flexibility in such times.
Otherwise, “there is no severe provision in the contract,” he added.
